[Ceramic artist: Asuka Juba interview part 2] Traces of love

When does inspiration strike?

It's often a time of relaxation.

When you're getting a massage or riding the train...

When I take a break from work, ideas suddenly come to me.

Whenever I have an idea, I write it down and keep it to myself.

When I sit in front of the potter's wheel, I become so focused on the task at hand that I am the type of person who carefully plans out a "strategy" before starting a project.

--You are both active as writers. How do you influence each other?

Almost none (laughs).

The things they make are completely different, so I don't know much about them.

We only talked about technical matters, like how good the soil was.

We don't interfere with each other, so the distance between us is like that of people in different fields working in the same company.

Sometimes we fight over the kiln (laughs).

-- You're working on your production while also raising children, but how are you able to strike a balance?

Now I'm able to do both quite well.

Now that my kids are older, they don't require as much care as they used to.

Housework is shared and balanced among the family.

Life has changed a lot since having children.

I've also started cooking a lot, which has broadened my perspective as a user of food.

When I look at the work of other artists, I can now understand better than before, "This person created it with this intention."

This perspective is still useful in current manufacturing.

*Thatched roof of the family home

- Is there any piece that you particularly like?

They're all made with the same passion, so I like them all.

I have a lot of thought behind all the work I've created so far.

However, a major turning point came when we started firing in a wood-fired kiln.

I'm drawn to the beauty of flames...it's fun when you can't control something.

The relationship with fire is difficult, but I think that's why I've been able to continue.

Firing a kiln is physically demanding, but the moment when something beyond our expectations is born is truly satisfying.

I always include test pieces to explore new possibilities.

*The anagama kiln that supports production

—— Do you have any habits that bring you joy while creating?

It's great to see my work being used.

I also like that my work comes back to me with alterations.

We offer repair services using gold lacquer, and when we receive a piece of pottery, we can immediately see how it has been used by the person who received it and the traces of how it was cared for.

I was incredibly happy to see that.

I once again feel that a piece of pottery is completed when it is used.

-- Can you tell us about the appeal of pottery to those who aspire to become potters?

Pottery is really fun.

You can think for yourself, put it into action, and decide all the steps yourself.

I think this high degree of freedom is the greatest attraction of pottery.

I think pottery is unique in that you can take responsibility for everything from start to finish.

——What are your future goals?

I want to keep making them even when I'm a grandmother (laughs).

I want to keep making them forever and ever. That is my greatest wish right now.

 Asuka Juba's workshop was filled with gentle light.

This is probably due to her personality.

The way he carefully chooses his words gives us a glimpse into the reason for the soft presence that resides in his pottery.

This interview made me feel the connection between the work and the people.